Free Pushin' Buttons (Boot Knockers) by Em Petrova Page B

horse herd and get into selling stock as well.”
    They passed another couple walking—Booker and the woman he’d been assigned to. She was tall and model-thin. On the outside she looked normal, but something was hindering her from gaining what she needed sexually or even spiritually or she wouldn’t be here.
    Just like Sibyll.
    Hugh raised a hand in greeting to the other couple, then said to Sibyll, “Tell me more about your work.”
    As she talked about testing and pharmaceutical drugs, he listened carefully. Reading between the lines was one of his greatest strengths. If he could find a way to break through her shell…
    Her plump pink lips drew his attention. Keeping himself from staring at them while she talked was impossible, so he drew her to a stop. “Want to sit here in the grass?”
    She looked around, curiosity making her features more relaxed, prettier if that were possible. “Sure.”
    He sank to the ground and tugged her down beside him. Immediately, she plucked a blade of grass and studied it. He snapped off a taller blade and stuck it in his mouth. “So you do enjoy your work.”
    She sat up straighter as if surprised. “Yes, I guess I do. But I want to know more about the operations here on the ranch.”
    He spoke slowly, giving only the information that would whet her appetite. He hoped to focus on anything but her problem climaxing in hopes of loosening her up. If he couldn’t get her past her sticking point, he’d sit her down and dive deeper into her psyche with a lot of questions.
    She didn’t need to know how much of a business it really was and how far their hearts were from the operations. While Hugh felt ten steps too close to Sibyll, he couldn’t let on. Yes, they were all passionate about helping and loving women. But they weren’t in love with them.
    Hugh hadn’t felt that emotion since Travis. Damn the man to hell.
    Their relationship had been rough and wild, hotter than a Texas wildfire. Travis had stormed into Hugh’s life and demanded his heart. Commanded it. When Travis had gone to the Army, their parting had been a wrench.
    At least for me.
    Travis had gone to boot camp and called only once to let Hugh know that distance wasn’t going to work for him. And apparently Travis had found another lover.
    Sibyll placed a hand on Hugh’s knee. Startled, he jerked his gaze to hers. She wore a concerned expression. “Are you okay?”
    He cleared his throat. Damn, had he gotten lost in that old Travis fog again? It was years ago—Hugh was over it. But the loving part…he missed that.
    When Sibyll caressed Hugh’s leg, tenderness swept him. He was supposed to be taking care of her in all ways. So far all he’d done was frustrate her more and use her to his own blissful end.
    When he met her gaze, his heart did that odd flip. He covered her hand with his and contemplated his next move. “What do you want, baby? Should I tumble you into the grass? Take you to the hot tub, put you on the ledge and lick your pussy in front of anyone who might come near? Should I get you into a group arena and let you participate with other girls? Or maybe doll you up in a naughty maid’s costume and demand you clean me?” He pitched his voice low. His erection was constant around her, but now it stiffened more.
    Her breaths came faster but she seemed reluctant to answer. A pink flush coated her skin. “I might try any of those things with you, Hugh. But right now I like talking to you.” As she tipped her head up to the sky, the sun kissed her skin, giving her a new glow.
    Maybe this was what she needed—mental stimulation. The rest would come with the opening of her mind. But what would he do about the crack she was making in his heart?
     
     
    When Sibyll and Hugh walked in, Riggs spun his back to them. He should have known the grub house would be filled at this time of day, but after working a long day in the field, he’d needed sustenance.
    Of all kinds.
    Part of him had hoped another couple